KATHMANDU, July 16: Former President Bidya Devi Bhandari has started trying to position herself as a unifying figure within the CPN-UML. Speaking at a press conference organized by the Madan Bhandari Foundation on Tuesday, she stressed the need for fair representation of grassroots party cadres, said that no individual should be considered bigger than the party, and called for institutional leadership, indicating her intent to play a central role in the party.
"The party must function institutionally. No individual is greater than the party. There must be fair management of party members from the grassroots," she said.
The press conference was organized to announce plans for celebrating the 75th birth anniversary of Madan Bhandari, the late UML General Secretary and Bhandari’s husband. With Bhandari now signaling political reactivation, the party establishment appears uneasy. The establishment faction is working to include provisions in the upcoming statute convention that could restrict her involvement. In response, Bhandari hinted that she is ready to emerge as a common leader.
When asked by the Nagarik daily, “How will you participate in the statute convention?” she hinted that she might take part in it. She noted that, according to the party statute, the delegates of the 10th General Convention are supposed to participate, but since new delegates have been added and members have been nominated to the central committee, she indicated that she, too, might be able to participate.
President Bhandari certifies two bills sent after end of parlia...
"The party will surely discuss whether the current participants were representatives at the 10th general convention. Similarly, many district-level representatives were involved in the previous convention, and district-level conventions have taken place since then. Whether the current leadership was part of the 10th general convention or not will also be a matter of internal discussion. The central committee will likely make decisions on such matters," she said.
Bhandari also noted that several conventions and conferences have taken place within party-affiliated organizations, and whether former representatives from the 10th general convention are now in leadership roles will also be a point of discussion.
Highlighting the democratic practices within the party, she said, "How the central committee decides to involve me—whether as a representative or an invited member—will be up to them. I’m not insisting on being included, but I believe the central committee will hold discussions and form a position regarding representation that reflects the party's connection with the people."
Since announcing her return to politics on June 28, Bhandari has been actively meeting with party leaders, members of other political parties, and independent figures. She recently stated that the two dissolutions of parliament during her presidency continue to haunt her. Clarifying her position, she said both actions were based on cabinet recommendations.
"It’s in the past, but it still follows me. I was well aware of what I was doing. I did not act under pressure; I merely implemented the cabinet’s decision," she said. "It was a matter of providing the country with an exit. Whether the decision was right or wrong is a matter for debate, but I acted according to constitutional provisions—not under duress."
At the event, the foundation announced the formation of a main organizing committee for Madan Bhandari’s 75th birth anniversary celebration. Former Bagmati Province Chief Minister Dormani Poudel is the coordinator of the committee.
According to organizers, the diamond jubilee will be marked by various ideological and creative programs throughout the year, culminating in a review event in 2027. The main organizing committee currently has 75 members, with plans to expand. An advisory committee will also be formed soon.
Madan Bhandari, then General Secretary of UML, died in a controversial jeep accident in Dasdhunga, Chitwan, on May 16, 1993.